Julian Alvarez saga takes new twists

The transfer window's final week has brought fresh developments in the long-running Julian Alvarez saga, with Arsenal and Barcelona continuing to circle the Atletico Madrid striker.

Multiple reports over the weekend indicated that Arsenal representatives held a meeting with Atletico on Friday to discuss a potential deal, with the Gunners asking to be kept informed if Alvarez's stance on a transfer changes. According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal asked Atletico to keep them informed if Alvarez's stance on a transfer changes. The meeting comes after Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta have maintained frequent contact with the Argentine throughout the summer, as reported by several outlets.

Alvarez has long been linked with a move to Barcelona, and multiple sources agree the 26-year-old still prioritises a switch to the La Liga champions. However, reports from Spain suggest he has now left the door 'ajar' to joining Arsenal, with the Premier League champions viewed as an 'emergency solution' should his preferred move fail. The Standard has gone further by positioning Arsenal as frontrunners for his signature amid suggestions that the relationship between Alvarez and Atletico has become increasingly strained.

His desire to leave has been complicated by Atletico's determination not to sell to a direct domestic rival. Atletico CEO Miguel Gil Marin said the club would not accept €200m for Alvarez, and insisted the club wanted him to stay, criticising his advisors. Alvarez's agent, Fernando Hidalgo, appeared to respond on Instagram, writing: 'Never ask a liar why he lied. To explain it. He'd have to lie again.'

The tension has played out publicly. Alvarez was omitted from Atletico's opening La Liga win over Malaga, with Diego Simeone saying the striker was "not in condition to play in this match." He was named on the bench for Sunday's 2-2 draw with Villarreal, and after the match headed straight down the tunnel instead of acknowledging fans, with Simeone saying it was the club's decision for him not to do so. The manager has insisted there is no uncertainty about Alvarez's future, saying: "Julian Alvarez will be in the squad tomorrow. For me, Julian is an extremely important player for us to achieve our objectives. As long as he's with the team, I'm going to look after him."

Alvarez, who scored 20 goals in 67 Premier League games during his time at Manchester City, has registered 49 goals and 17 assists in 106 matches for Atletico, including 20 in the 2025-26 campaign. His contract runs until 2030, and Atletico are under no major pressure to sell.

Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham headline other moves

Elsewhere, Manchester City have agreed a deal with Lille for midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, reportedly worth up to £86m and making him the most expensive teenage signing in Premier League history. City have also informed midfielder Nico Gonzalez he is free to leave, with talks underway with Newcastle.

Liverpool's priority remains Bradley Barcola, with PSG demanding £145m for the France international. Both Barcola and teammate Ibrahim Mbaye were left out of PSG's squad for the French Super Cup and the Ligue 1 opener, boosting Liverpool's hopes. The Reds have agreed personal terms with Mbaye, but PSG's asking price of around £60m for the 18-year-old is seen as too high. Liverpool are also planning a third bid for Brighton's Yankuba Minteh after bids of £50m and £60m were rejected.

Tottenham are confident of completing a deal to sign Omar Marmoush from Manchester City by the start of next week, with a fee of around $86.5m reported. The north London club have also made a formal approach for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, and are considering a shock move for Mykhailo Mudryk.

Other transfer developments across Europe

Aston Villa are close to finalising a deal for former Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka on a free transfer, while Besiktas have submitted a bid for Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock. Ollie Watkins has told Aston Villa he wants to leave amid interest from Al-Hilal, who have identified the England striker as a replacement for Karim Benzema.

Alejandro Balde's future at Barcelona remains uncertain, with reports that the left-back has decided to leave and Manchester United making contact, though Mundo Deportivo reports he is determined to fight for his place. Real Madrid will not let Liverpool sign Endrick, according to Football Insider.

Perspectives

Arsenal: The club has held talks with Atletico and maintained frequent contact with Alvarez, viewing him as a marquee signing to bolster their title defence. Reports suggest they are willing to offer a deal that could see Viktor Gyokeres head to Atletico.

Atletico Madrid: The club insists Alvarez is not for sale, with CEO Miguel Gil Marin saying they would reject even €200m. Manager Diego Simeone has publicly backed the striker, saying he is "extremely important" and that there is "no uncertainty" about his future.

Julian Alvarez: The striker reportedly prefers a move to Barcelona to win silverware and for family reasons, but has left the door open to Arsenal as an 'emergency solution'. His relationship with Simeone is said to be strained, and he has been booed by Atletico fans.